KAMPONG THOM Province, Cambodia - February 07, 2024
As part of the SAFE STEPS - Road Safety programme, with support from Prudence Foundation through Prudential Cambodia, inaugurates the completed road safety modifications at Stueng Sen High school. Small steps lead to big changes, and today, we saw a monumental change safeguarding the school community with approximately 100 students and 20 teachers attending. The guests of honor at the ceremony were Mr. Im Vanny, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports, and Mr. Eng Ros, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport.
The SAFE STEPS - Road Safety programme in Cambodia aims to mitigate risks on the road by providing students with safety equipment and road traffic education. The program encompasses a holistic approach in which education is key for safe road user behaviors, in addition to the helmet safety component of the program. The Safe School Zone infrastructure modification unveiling was co-organized with AIP Foundation and in collaboration with the National Road Safety Committee, Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports, Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, Kampong Thom provincial traffic police, and Kampong Thom provincial partners.
“The school zone infrastructure modifications that were unveiled today at Stueng Sen High School, represent practical changes made to the surroundings of a school to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and families. Investing in safer school zone infrastructure modifications like we have today is a crucial step towards ensuring the success of our future generation,” shares Mr. Im Vanny, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports.
Safeguarding Young Lives on the road across Cambodia
On their daily commute to school, many children and youth are at risk. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years globally. In Cambodia, students accounted for 12% of all road fatalities in 20191. Among them, nearly one-half of road fatalities affect secondary and high school students. This represents a public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people the most.
Based on results from the school zone assessment by using iRAP’s* Star Ratings for Schools methodology, AIP Foundation began the construction and installation of school zone modifications at target schools. The modifications included Rumble strips, slow-down traffic signs and 30 km/h traffic signs, pedestrian crossing area traffic signs, zebra-crossings, flashing beacons and a number of key road markings.
Throughout the day, students had an opportunity to reinforce their road safety skills and knowledge with interactive games and fun activities. These included helmet use training and further training on understanding speed limits, avoiding distractions, and the importance of pedestrian safety. Students participated in a road safety quiz to test their understanding. Students also implemented activities on National Road 6 to guide road users on how to travel safely, especially when crossing the road in front of Stueng Sen High School.
A sustainable regional program for road safety
The SAFE STEPS Kids - Road Safety programme is part of the SAFE STEPS KIDS programme, developed by the Prudence Foundation in partnership with Cartoon Network and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC). The program aims to equip millions of children across Asia and Africa with actionable information designed to save lives and create a future generation that is well-prepared and resilient to life-threatening situations. Core to the proramme is a series of animations being aired across Cartoon Network channels in Asia, reaching over 35 million households.
In Cambodia, Prudence Foundation and Prudential Cambodia partnered with AIP Foundation to implement the programme in schools since 2022, and has reached 12,910 students and 34,541 adults to date through road safety awareness, education and training activities. The helmet-wearing rate (average) increased from 30.20% (pre-intervention) to 82.20% (post-intervention) at target schools. This led to the reduction of students involved in road crashes when commuting to school.
The program also contributed to the issuance of the guidelines to change the traffic sign, reducing the maximum speed limit traffic sign in school zones to 30 km/h, by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in October 2023.
"Today's event represents a strong commitment of Prudential in building resilience for the community that we operate in. We also seek innovative solutions to provide protection to children who are prone to risk, especially road accidents. This is the first school that received a complete modification around its school zone area. With this success, we hope to continue supporting the government to make more public school becomes safe for all the children.” Said by Illyasak Hazan- Head Sustainability, D&I- Prudential Cambodia.
“We are proud to partner with AIP Foundation in this vital initiative to enhance road safety, particularly around schools in Kampong Thom and Kampot province. The well-being of our generations is at the heart of Prudential Cambodia’s commitment, and we believe this collaboration will contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all,” he added.
About Prudential Cambodia
Since its establishment in 2013, Prudential Cambodia has become one of the largest life insurers in the country, providing customizable solutions to over 321,000 customers and approving more than USD 20.9 million in claims as of 31 October 2023. By providing tailored life insurance solutions to individuals and families and conducting insurance seminars for the public, Prudential Cambodia helps Cambodians protect and secure their financial futures.
Prudential Cambodia is an affiliated company of Prudential plc. Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion.
About Prudence Foundation
Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to secure the future of communities by enhancing education, health, and safety. The Foundation runs regional programmes as well as local programmes in partnership with NGOs, governments, and the private sector in order to maximize the impact of its efforts. Prudence Foundation leverages Prudential’s long-term mindset and geographical scale to make communities safer, more secure and more resilient. The Foundation is a Hong Kong-registered charitable entity.
About AIP Foundation
AIP Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing road injuries and fatalities in low and middle-income countries. For over 24 years, AIP Foundation has been delivering effective road safety programs in locations across Asia and Africa. To find out more, visit www.aip-foundation.org or connect with us on Twitter @AIPFoundation. https://www.aipfoundation.org/
For Media Contact
Victoria Jönsson-Brown
Communications Officer
AIP Foundation
Tel: (+84) 91 598 75 84
Email: victoria.jonsson@aipf-vietnam.org